UK & World News

$1m Reward Offered To Catch US 'Cop Killer'

Police in America have offered a $1m (£632,000) reward for information leading to the capture of ex-LAPD cop Christopher Dorner.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced the reward as Dorner - suspected of three murders - remained at large for a fourth day.

"We will not tolerate anyone undermining the security, the tranquility of our neighbourhoods and our communities," Mr Villaraigosa said at a news conference announcing the reward.

"We will not tolerate this reign of terror that has robbed us of the peace of mind that residents of southern California deserve. We will not tolerate this murderer remaining at large."

The mayor said local leaders, businesses, unions, law enforcement officers and community groups had pooled resources to raise the reward money.

Police have been hunting the snow-blanketed California mountains for Dorner, 33, a disgruntled former officer.

He threatened to murder police in a chilling online manifesto.

More than 100 police have searched for Dorner after his car was found in a nearby area, reportedly with weapons and a broken axle.

The search has focused on cabins above the ski resort of Big Bear, two hours east of Los Angeles, where Dorner's burnt-out pick-up truck was found in nearby woods.

Dorner, a naval reservist, is suspected of killing a couple on February 3 and then ambushing two policemen early on Thursday, killing one. He is also suspected of injuring another officer in a separate incident.

Police are reported to be looking into a taunting phone call to the father of the young woman.

Officers are trying to determine whether Dorner made the call telling retired police captain Randal Quan that he should have done a better job protecting his daughter.

In his internet manifesto, threatening police and their families, Dorner pledged to "bring unconventional and asymmetrical warfare to those in LAPD uniform whether on or off duty".

The LAPD, backed by agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is protecting over 40 possible targets, some of them identified in Dorner's rambling manifesto.